What Flavors Work For You?

While we visit coffee shops around the area, we've had the chance to test out a wide variety of flavored coffees and coffee beverages (lattes, cappuccinos, etc.) As I've often said, if we all liked the same things, the world would be a very boring place. So, I don't expect that everyone will enjoy the same flavors that I might make my first choice.

Funnily enough, though I enjoy a raspberry specialty drink from time to time, I'm not a big fan of fruity-flavored coffees. I actually find the thought of blueberry flavored coffee a little off-putting. I've tried a couple and I just can't get into the vibe. With one exception...I love, Love, LOVE the pumpkin spice coffees you can get pretty readily once the temps drop and the air gets a little crisp. It's like pumpkin pie without the baking time!

I have to admit, I've been very hesitant, even scared, to try a mint flavored coffee. I like mint, and I love chocolate and the mint coffees tend to be paired with chocolate...but I'm still not sure. Have any of you given a mint flavored coffee a whirl?

My favorites? I like anything with chocolate. Coffee and chocolate go together like "peas and carrots". White chocolate concoctions also get a nod from me. But my go-to, favorite flavor...toffee. I like the buttery, slightly salty touch it adds to coffee. I'm a big fan of salty mixed with sweet.

How about you? What flavors work? And which make you shudder?

Adding Flavor to Your Mornin' Grind

If you watched the segment this morning, you saw that we spoke briefly about flavoring your own coffee at home. A little spice, of the cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, pumpkin pie or other sweet variety added to your grounds before the drip cycle can give your morning cup a little extra kick.

Like a more fruity kick to your cup? While it's not to my taste, I know a handful of folks who like a citrus twist with their coffee. Easy enough, add in some dried lemon, orange or lime peel with your grounds. You can add a berry burst with dried blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, etc. Like nutty flavors? A handful of roasted almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts or pecans can add a nutty richness to your brew.

If you're a baker, you know there's a variety of delicious extracts you can add to your cakes, cookies and other confectionery creations. You can also add these items to your morning cup for an easy kick of flavor. A little vanilla, amaretto, butter pecan, chocolate or even eggnog extract can give you a gourmet taste without putting a hole in your wallet. You can add a drop or two straight to your cup or a 1/4 teaspoon right to the pot (before brewing) if you're serving more than a cup or two.

Much Research, No Real Answers

This week we talked about headaches and caffeine, specifically caffeine in our favorite morning beverage. While the health benefits and detriments of coffee have been studied and reported in numerous medical studies, some have been more conclusive then others.

The role caffeine plays in headaches is one of those studies that remains inconclusive, even though a single dose of many pain relievers contains up to 120 milligrams of caffeine, equivalent to most cups of coffee.

According to Science Daily, "research worldwide into the relationship between caffeine consumption and headache provides no relief to headache sufferers wondering whether they should drink more or less". Depending on the study there have been different results and correlations between consumption of caffeine and the cause or cure of headaches.

Science Daily says that according to one large study, the Nord-Trondelag Health Survery (HUNT 2), conducted at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, it was found that "consuming high amounts of caffeine each day has been linked to a greater likelihood of suffering occasional headaches. But, oddly enough, low caffeine consumption was associated with a greater likelihood of chronic headaches".

Because the World Health Organization ranks migraines as 19th amongst all causes of disability, this is one debate that many doctors, patients and employers would like to see find a conclusion.

Until then, know how much caffeine you're taking in and try to keep track of the conditions under which you find yourself with a headache. You might find it's the extra cup, or it might be that missed cup. But you'll know what works for you.